The training hall remained silent as Lucian sat alone, half-lidded eyes shadowed under drifting bangs. The cold hum of the vents pressed faintly against his ears while the distant sounds of students in neighbouring halls echoed like muffled ripples.
Then the side door slid open again with a quiet hiss.
"Come," Athena's calm voice drifted in.
Lucian rose slowly, dusting invisible debris from his black coat before slipping his hands into his pockets. He walked with silent steps, each one tapping lightly against the polished floor until he reached the doorway.
Athena was already walking down the dim corridor beyond, her black uniform coat drifting behind her like a trailing shadow. Without a word, Lucian followed.
They walked together in silence through the empty instructor wing, their footsteps echoing softly off the stone walls lined with glowing mana sconces. Outside, early sun filtered through tall windows, lighting the mist into drifting gold ribbons.
